And I was so pumped that Paradise Hotel started that I almost ( almost being the operative word) watched it right when it aired instead of waiting for tivo to record it! I just dont see how these new people can possibly compare to the crazies on PH 1. I hope they do though. Its kinda like Big Brother, every year I swear I will hate the new houseguests compared to the previous season but usually end up liking them more.

You’re completely right about MSNBC. I’m afraid when writing this, I did a pretty poor job of making it clear I was talking about two completely different issues: One is the premature announcement of “winners” in primary races when the votes have not yet been counter; the other was networks racing to give election coverage. At least one of my local affiliates was providing projected winners two hours before the polling places closed. AAs for premature calling, several networks and other media outlets (including the AP) prematurely called Missouri as going to Hillary when, in fact, it had gone to Obama. It’s sloppy and, frankly, there’s no reason for it except that they are desperate to be the first to get the information out there rather than wait until everything is finalized. They know they can’t compete with the web. When I worked at a newspaper, we had the same problem: With deadlines looming, at what point to you make the call?

All of the writers have an option of going what is called “financial core”. It means they can continue writing but, as I understand it, aren’t protected by the union (although they will continue to be members and have to pay dues). Any writer can go fi-core and write, although it’s frowned upon. Several soaps have people who have done that. Rumor has it that many other shows simply are working with hush-hush scabs who go to great lengths to get the scripts to the shows without being identified as the writer. You’ll notice that several soaps currently do not list who they are being written by. That’s to protect the identity of the scabs.